Klystron automatic tube tester

ABSTRACT

The apparatus is a device for testing klystron tubes and consists of filament control and regulator means, filament continuity and emission test means, reflector logic and control means, beam voltage programming and control means, RF power and frequency-determining means and indicator means for applying voltages to the filament and other electrodes of integral cavity klystron tubes in a predetermined sequence whereby the static and dynamic operating characteristics of the tubes can be tested.

United States Patent I 1151 3,641,428

Mandel 1 Feb. 8, 1972 54] KLYSTRON AUTOMATIC TUBE 3,416,069 12/1968 Mandel ..324/24 TESTER Primary Examiner-Michael J. Lynch [72] Attomey-Richard s. Sciascia, Louis B. Applebaum and [73] Assignee: The United States of America as PhilipSchneider represented bytheSecretary oftheNavy [22 Filed: Nov. 21, 1969 [57] ABSTRACT The apparatus is a device for testing klystron tubes and con- 21 l. N 78 7 7 l 1 App 0 8 3 sists of filament control and regulator means, filament continuity and emission test means, reflector logic and control [52] [1.8.0. ..324/24, 324/73 AT means beam voltage programming and comm] means, RF [5 1 1 n 31/22 power and frequency-determining means and indicator means [58] Field oi Search ..324/20-27, 73 AT for applying voltages to the filament and other electrodes of integral cavity klystmn tubes in a predetermined sequence [56] cued whereby the static and dynamic operating characteristics of UNITED STATES PATENTS thewbes canbewsted- 2,796,582 6/1957 Cooper ..324/23 3 claim, 22 Drawing Figures INS R Hearse 1 l I mam/l7 ops/v ope/(arm;

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1. Apparatus for testing the static and dynamic operating characteristics of integral cavity klystron tubes comprising, in combination: means for providing an adjustable, regulated filament voltage to the klystron; means for testing the continuity of the klystron filament and the quantity of current emitted by said filament; means for automatically supplying the correct beam voltage to the klystron; means for automatically supplying a voltage to the reflector electrode to sweep the klystron through its various modes of oscillation and lock the klystron into oscillation at its point of maximum RF power output; means for determining the frequency and magnitude of the RF power output at its maximum point; means for indicating the continuity condition and amount of emission of the filament, the amounts of beam current, beam voltage, and reflector current, and the magnitude and frequency of the RF power output of the klystron; and means connected to the aforesaid means for controlling the times of application of filament, beam and reflector voltages to the klystron.
 2. Apparatus for testing the static and dynamic operating characteristics of integral cavity klystron tubes comprising, in combination: means for applying electrode voltages to a klystron and deriving an output therefrom; filament control and regulator means for providing an adjustable, regulated filament voltage to said klystron; filament continuity and emission test means for testing the continuity of the klystron filament and the quantity of current emitted by the filament; beam voltage programming and control means for providing a reference voltage proportional to a desired beam voltage, for comparing a fraction of the applied voltage to the reference voltage and for adjusting the applied beam voltage until the compared voltage is equal to the reference voltage; reflector logic and control means for placing a sawtooth voltage on the klystron reflector electrode to sweep the klystron through its various modes of oscillation, store a voltage proportional to the maximum RF power output and lock the tube into oscillation at its point of maximum RF power output; RF power and frequency determining means for measuring the magnitude and frequency of the output of the klystron at its point of maximum RF power output; indicating means for indicating the continuity condition and amount of emission of the filament, the amounts of beam current, beam voltage and reflector current, and the magnitude and frequency of the RF power output of the klystron; and connected to said aforementioned means sequence-of-operations control means for controlling the application of filament, beam and reflector voltages to the klystron.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said means for providing an adjustable, regulated filament voltage is capable of providing the normal rated filament voltage and also a voltage which is 10 percent below the normal rating. 